Last Weekend of Sun?

I may be reading it incorrectly (and I really hope I am) but the 10 day weather forecast in Kennett Square shows a chance of snow next Wednesday into Thursday!! I don't know about you, but I am definitely NOT ready for winter to come. I still have a long list of to-do's that I would like to accomplish outside before the cold has me in by the fire.  Just in case you are way ahead of the game, and already are prepared to hibernate through the window, I thought I would make sure you can take advantage of the beautiful weekend with this fall invasive species removal--the removal of Elaeagnus sp. (Russian and Autumn Olive)  

 

I.D. Tips

Not all plants have berries, but this gives you a good look at their silvery leaves.

·       Leaves are oval shape with a smooth edge; the tops of the leaves are a greenish color and the bottom of the leaves has a distinct silvery hue

·       small, fragrant, light-yellow flowers bloom along the twigs

·       fruits are ~½ inch in diameter; those of Autumn olive are deep red to pink and Russian olive: yellow or orange.

Typically Bark and Branching Structure of Olive

Once you can I.D. it, then comes the removal process.  The recommended method for removing Elaeagnus sp. is to cut the shrub at ground level with a pair of lopers, folding saw, or chain saw, and then paint the stump with a non-dilute glyphosate solution.  A effective technique is to first PROPERLY LABEL then fill an old mustard bottle with a non-dilute solution of glyphosate (herbicide with common trade name Round-Up) and squeeze it on the stump immediately after it is cut.  This method is effective at any time throughout the year, but because this is a plant that likes to grow in hedgerows and other over-grown areas it is typically easiest to access after leaves have started to fall.  If the plant has not produced seeds, or does not currently have seeds, cutting it and leaving it to decompose is a perfectly acceptable option.  Once the largest of the olive has been removed, it will be easier to note what still needs to be controlled and should take away a majority of the seed source. 

Interested in learning more about invasive management techniques on your property?? TLC's Landscape Visionaries session is for you!! We'll come out to your property and answer all of those questions you've been wondering.  It also makes a great holiday gift for a loved one!! View our options HERE